Hybrid architecture for video on demand server
First Claim
1. A video on demand server supplying digitized movies to subscribers via a distribution network comprising:
- a disk array storing a plurality of digitized movies, said movies being stored across a plurality of disks in a data striping pattern in a plurality of partitions;
a multiprocessor switch array composed of a plurality of processing elements, each processing element including a central processing unit and a local memory, said local memory storing switching information for supplying requested movies to requesting subscribers; and
a workstation connected to said multiprocessor switch array and responsive to requesting subscribers for assigning subscribers to one of said plurality of partitions of said disk array and controlling individual switches in the multiprocessor switch array so that requested movies are transmitted to requesting subscribers on demand.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Processing requirement at each computing element in a video server for a video on demand (VOD) system are reduced to only those needed for VOD, resulting in a less expensive processor with less memory and, hence, lower cost. A hybrid video server architecture combines the best features of massive parallel processor (MPP) and workstation designs into a cost effective high performance system. Since it is not necessary to run a parallel relational database program in order to accomplish VOD data distribution, a unique type of switch element that is well matched to the VOD server problem is employed. By matching this switch element technology to an appropriate data storage technique, a full featured, responsive VOD server is realized that can be affordably installed at regional cable distribution centers nationwide.
390 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A video on demand server supplying digitized movies to subscribers via a distribution network comprising:
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a disk array storing a plurality of digitized movies, said movies being stored across a plurality of disks in a data striping pattern in a plurality of partitions; a multiprocessor switch array composed of a plurality of processing elements, each processing element including a central processing unit and a local memory, said local memory storing switching information for supplying requested movies to requesting subscribers; and a workstation connected to said multiprocessor switch array and responsive to requesting subscribers for assigning subscribers to one of said plurality of partitions of said disk array and controlling individual switches in the multiprocessor switch array so that requested movies are transmitted to requesting subscribers on demand. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A video on demand distribution system comprising:
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a video on demand server including a disk array storing a plurality of digitized movies, said movies being stored across a plurality of disks in a data striping pattern in a plurality of partitions, a multiprocessor switch array in the form of a Benes network composed of 2×
2 switch elements in a minimal switch topology and composed of a plurality of processing elements, each processing element including a central processing unit and a local memory, said local memory storing switching information for supplying requested movies to requesting subscribers, and a workstation connected to said multiprocessor switch array and responsive to requesting subscribers for assigning subscribers to one of said plurality of partitions of said disk array and controlling individual switches in the multiprocessor switch array so that requested movies are transmitted to requesting subscribers on demand;a distribution system connecting to said multiprocessor switch array with a plurality of subscriber terminals; and a plurality of decoders connected to said plurality of subscriber terminals for decoding digitized movies for reproducing on a television set or monitor. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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Specification